Sample Letter #1

The only no-kill shelter in our area, (Name of Shelter), houses and cares for at least 100 abused or abandoned cats and dogs at any given time. Although some of our animals, especially the younger residents, are welcomed into the homes of compassionate residents of our community, the majority of our animals live out their days within our friendly compound. As the term "no-kill" implies, we never sacrifice the lives of these unfortunate animals but rather choose to provide a dignified and loving environment for the remainder of their lives.

Of course, providing such a service requires not only a sizeable staff of volunteers but also significant monetary funds. From food to medical treatment to daily comforts and care, all aspects of our operation are paid for by the generous donations of the members of our community. We are writing today, therefore, to ask you to join our cause by contributing to the operational expenses for the coming year. A donation of just $100 would help us cover the cost for the care of two to three animal residents of our compound. Of course, a donation at any higher or lower level would be warmly appreciated as well.

For your convenience, we have enclosed a pre-addressed, prepaid envelope with which you can send us your support. We thank you for your time and consideration, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Sample Letter #2

Fluffy lived in a happy home, the adored pet of three small children. Also in the neighborhood were three adult dogs, six half-grown puppies, and a countless number of cats. Nobody really knows, as they keep producing new litters. Fluffy was one of the lucky ones--until last week, that is. She was adopted by a loving family, given her shots and spayed when she was old enough. Then last week, two of those young dogs came into her yard and that was the end of Fluffy. Three little children and their parents were broken-hearted. They held a tender graveside service for their beloved pet.

Very few people mean to be cruel to animals, but innocent animals continue to suffer every day. Some people don't understand their responsibilities. Others feel they can't afford to have their pets spayed or neutered.

That is why PetsCare offers free, informative classes on caring for pets, together with our low-cost spay and neuter clinics. We take our Neuter Van into neighborhoods like Fluffy's and, while our trained veterinarians work on the animals, our volunteers teach the owners.

As you can imagine, this all costs money. But we believe that it will save money and a great deal of suffering in the long run. That is why we are turning to you now. Can you help us by donating $35, the cost of spaying one animal? We have enclosed a reply envelope for your convenience.

If this is more than you can afford right now, we would appreciate any amount that you could send us. We know that the animals of Springfield would appreciate it too.

Sample Letter #3

I hope you will indulge me while I tell you a brief story. Dodger, a German shepherd, is one of the happiest pets I know. His family, the Doe's, have thoroughly enjoyed his company ever since they adopted him two years ago. During that time, they have loved him and cared for him and treated him as one of their own. But Dodger did not always lead such a charmed life. When Dodger was brought to the shelter, he was malnourished to the point where I didn't know if he could be saved, and he did not want to be touched or handled at all. With tender care and patience, however, he was as good as new after only a few months. Shortly thereafter, the Doe family adopted him, and they have been happy companions ever since.

For more than 50 years we at the Springfield Animal Shelter have been caring for neglected and abandoned animals--like Dodger--and preparing them for new homes. Last year alone, we were able to place over 300 pets in warm, loving homes.

However, despite these encouraging numbers, we are still unable to cope with the large number of animals that enter our doors each year because we simply do not have the financial resources to do so. Which is why we are holding a fundraiser next month-to help bridge this gap so that we can provide the care so desperately needed by our furry friends.

Would you be willing to participate in our 5K walk/run on September 25 to help us raise the money needed to care for neglected and abandoned animals in our area? We will be meeting at Springfield Park at 8 a.m. sharp. To participate in the event, simply fill out the enclosed registration form and send a check or money order--or you can pay by debit or credit card, if you prefer--for $75 to the address above. All proceeds are tax-deductible and go directly to help neglected and abandoned animals in our area.

I hope you will be able to participate in the fundraising event next month. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sample Letter #4

The Johnson Town Humane Society has been caring for and providing temporary homes for mistreated, neglected, and abandoned animals for years. In addition to providing housing and nutritional care, however, we also provide medical care for animals in need, including giving animals vaccines, caring for injuries, and providing spay and neutering services. In fact, each year, we spend roughly $20,000 on such care.

It is our mission to find a warm and loving home for every animal that comes through our doors, and having the means to provide adequate medical attention to the animals that need it is an important and necessary part of achieving that goal.

In order to continue to provide the medical care these animals need, we have set up a special fund that members of the community can contribute to. Will you become a Friend of the Society by making a monthly contribution to this cause? You can donate $10, $25, $50, or any amount you choose. And, to show our appreciation for your support, we will send to you a quarterly newsletter that tells about current events and other important news.

To become a Friend, simply fill out the attached form with your preferred method of payment and the amount you wish to contribute each month, and mail it in the enclosed, self-addressed envelope. After becoming a Friend, we will send you a receipt each month for your tax records. If you ever want to change the amount of your monthly donation, simply indicate the change on the bottom portion of the receipt, detach it, and mail it to us. Your change will be reflected in the next month's statement.

Ms. Doe, with the financial support of people like you, we can continue to provide the medical care that so many abused and abandoned animals in our area need. Will you help us to meet this need by becoming a Friend today?

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